Elon Musk's salary apparently doesn't rocket into everyone's favor. The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) is about to vote against Musk's whopping $56 billion pay package at Tesla. This pay package, initially established in 2018, was struck down by a judge earlier this year, leading to an up-and-coming shareholder vote set for Thursday. Someone must think $56 billion isn't quite pocket change.

Chris Ailman, the Chief Investment Officer of CalSTRS, didn't mince words when he described Musk's pay package as excessive, highlighting that it offers 140 times the average worker's pay. Because, clearly, launching cars into space and privately debating AI ethics flip some scales.

CalSTRS, which holds just under 4.7 million shares of Tesla as of June 30, 2023, has been a long-time investor, owning a stake since before Tesla even went public. Despite CalSTRS's plan to vote against Musk's pay, they're not planning to sell those Tesla shares anytime soon. After all, one doesn't throw away the goose laying golden eggs, even if the goose has developed a slightly concerning Twitter habit.

Norway’s $1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund also plans to vote against Musk’s pay package, joining CalSTRS in this high-stakes "no."

Interestingly, Tesla is also proposing to reincorporate in Texas and re-elect two directors, including Musk’s brother, Kimbal. Because when the going gets tough, the tough get moving – most likely to a state with fewer taxes. Space Bucks don’t pay rent, but family might still vouch for you.

A Delaware judge previously invalidated Musk’s pay package, creating the necessity for the shareholder vote. Because every story needs a plot twist.

Chris Ailman has also taken up the role of life coach, suggesting that Musk should delegate more of Tesla's day-to-day operations and focus on either cars, X (formerly known as Twitter), or his goals for Mars through SpaceX. That's akin to asking a multi-tasking juggler to maybe just stick to water balloons or flaming torches, but not both at once.

As of April, CalSTRS managed approximately $333 billion in assets, so they definitely know a thing or two about keeping things grounded.

Come Thursday, the vote will determine whether or not Musk's next innovation involves rethinking his earthly compensation strategy. Perhaps Space Bucks can finally take off – just maybe not in the way Musk once envisioned.